Ireland

Ireland Walking 8 Days
Having traveled all over Ireland, we have found the western coast region including the Burren, Aran Islands and Connemara to have the most spectacular scenery, with a tremendous abundance of historical monuments, a rich and unique culture, warm and inviting people, and surprisingly few tourists. The hotels and food are a highlight with genuine hospitality.

Day 1Ennis–You’ll start the tour from Ennis, a pleasant village in county Clare with an 11th century Friary at its center. There is lots to see and do in Ennis and its vibrant historical center is full of pubs with traditional music sessions throughout the day and evening.

Day 2Lisdoonvarna - After a leisurely morning in Ennis (you won't want to miss the museum here which provides a good introduction to the history of the region) you will be shuttled to either the Cliffs of Moher (in good weather) or Kilfenora. If you do the Cliffs of Moher walk, you’ll take the Burren Way to Doolin, which is a center for traditional music and from here it is a short shuttle to Lisdoonvarna.

Day 3Lisdoonvarna -On this day, you’ll start with a transfer to Ballyvaughan, beautifully situated on Galway Bay. Your walking route will be along the Burren Way to the ruined church at Formoyle and then looping back to Ballyvaughan, where we recommend lunch at the infamous Monks Pub, where sea-food chowder never tasted better. On the shuttle back to Lisdoonvarna you can stop to view the Poulnabrone Dolmen, one of the larger megalithic tombs in the region.

Day 4Aran Islands - Ferry to Aran Islands. No visit to this part of Ireland would be complete without a visist to Inishmore, where you’ll be met by one of the proprietors of Kilmurvey House, an historical inn that has been in the same family for generations. After lunch in Kilmurvey village, you’ll hike up to Dun Aengus with to see the ancient ring fort that is one of the most remarkable in Ireland.

Day 5Aran Islands -Enjoy a leisurely day, with a loop walk to the west end of the island; on the way back, you will be on a walking trail that passes 7 ancient churches. We recommend dinner at the nearby Man of Aran Restaurant, an intimate bistrot that shows the film after dinner (the charming thatched cottage was in the movie).

Day 6Inagh Lake Lodge- After a short ferry ride to Rosaveel, you’ll be met for a shuttle to Inagh Lough, perhaps with a stop for tea at a hunting lodge en-route. There are easy low-land hikes close to the hotel; the Western Way trail passes just above, so you’ll have options for out and back walks. There are also options for fishing here and relaxing in this tranquil location is always a tempting option.

Day 7Inagh Lake Lodge- Today a guided walk to Killary Harbour awaits you, exploring the only fiord in Ireland or into Connemara National Park, perhaps with a visit to Kylemore Abbey afterwards. You’ll have a guide with you and can choose the hike based on how you feel, the weather etc.

Day 8Departure.

Note: on this self-guided tour, if you desire local guides on any of the days these may be available on request at an additional cost, but must be reserved in advance.